Urgent Data Recovery Inquiry: Kingston 2TB SSD Exhibiting Compatibility and Damage Concerns
In today’s digital landscape, data integrity and recovery options are critical, especially when dealing with valuable storage devices. I am reaching out to the professional community for guidance regarding a pressing issue involving a Kingston 2TB SSD, specifically the Kingston SXS2000 USB-C drive.
Device Overview and Issue Description
The external SSD, connected via USB-C, is experiencing detection failures on macOS systems. When connected to an M1 Mac, Disk Utility fails to recognize the device, with console logs indicating USB I/O aborts and error messages such as “Volatile, Error.” I have tested multiple cables, ports, and even different Macs, but the problem persists across all setups.
Interestingly, when the same drive and cable are connected to a Windows laptop, the drive is partially accessible: I can view and preview several files, including images and video clips. However, transferring larger video files often results in failed copy operations mid-transfer. The drive has not sustained any physical trauma and had been functioning seamlessly until a couple of months prior.
Diagnostic Findings and Recovery Cost
A reputable data recovery laboratory has examined the device and diagnosed significant NAND damage, estimating the recovery cost at approximately $2,000 USD. This diagnosis aligns with the symptoms observed—partial read access on Windows coupled with complete detection failure on macOS.
The data stored on the drive is of immense value, consisting primarily of 10-bit Sony video footage. Therefore, I am exploring all possible options to recover this data safely and cost-effectively. My primary concern is avoiding rushed, invasive procedures that risk irreversible data loss or incur unnecessary expenditure.
Noteworthy Observations
- The USB-C connector does not seem to click or seat as securely as on an identical Kingston SSD I own, which could suggest connector or enclosure issues.
Seeking Expert Advice: Key Questions
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Diagnosis Implications: Does the current behavior—partial Windows access but macOS failure—indicate NAND or cell degradation as opposed to issues with the enclosure, bridge board, or controller firmware?
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Diagnostic Procedures: Are there reliable, non-destructive diagnostic methods I should prioritize? For instance, options like read-retry imaging, re-enclosure, or controller-level imaging (using tools such as ddrescue) before considering chip-off techniques?
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Data Recovery Vendor Practices: If you have experience with professional chip-level
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